To put it simply, the idea of The Edward Ballister Project is to put together the ULTIMATE horror novel. Seems simple, right? After all many horror scribes have placed terrifying scenes into print. However, The Edward Ballister Project takes the works of multiple authors in order to make a complete novel. Each writer submits one chapter in attempt to create an overall novel of terror. The overall concept may appear easy to a writer--simply create a horrific chapter surrounding the characters and setting provided--yet, I can attest that there is truly more than meets the eye (the reading eye) when it comes to The Edward Ballister Project!
Before I continue, let me give you a brief history of Edward Ballister. Edward Ballister was created by Jeff Ezell (Wish World). After creating the first chapter of Edward Ballister, Jeff came to a pause in order to tend to another story he had in the works. In the interim, the technology of MySpace offered blogs from his MySpace friends and he began reading some of their work. Two authors' works in particular (Jessica Lynne Gardner and Charlotte Emma Gledson) stood out to Jeff, and he approached them both about the idea of taking a tale and using the imaginations of various authors as the building blocks of one complete novel of terror. Hence, The Edward Ballister Project was born. There may be more behind this, but that's my taking and, perhaps, the Cliff's Notes version.
There have been over twenty authors (myself included) involved with The Edward Ballister Project. Although creativity is highly suggested to all contributors who partake in this work, one must also realize that the work of each author must maintain a continuity to the story as well. In my opinion, that is where seasoned writer comes in. After all, depending on the chapter one is assigned, it is imperative that the writer read previous chapters to keep plot, characterization and setting somewhat in place. After all, a main character's mannerisms rarely change in a novel. For example, if a writer has mentioned that his main character continuously lights up a cigarette in chapter three, it would kill the credibility of that character if (in chapter sixteen) the reader discovers that X character waves a hand to a passing pedestrian who is taking a drag of a cigarette. Though it may seem like common sense to many writers, such mannerisms can easily be overlooked in creating a full-length novel. In fact, I've been guilty of falling into the "continuity trap" myself.
So it was that I was assigned Chapter Fourteen of Edward Ballister. I accepted this as both a challenge and a godsend. The challenging portion was attributed to the fact that there were thirteen previous writers who had set the main ideas and crux of the plot into motion. It was ever so important for me to keep track of all the details surrounding the characters and events taking place in the novel. In fact, as I read each chapter of Edward Ballister, I scribbled various notes to use as a reference for such details.The godsend of it all was that I would be creating a chapter that was far enough in the novel, that I could (or so I was hoping) develop a turn in events, a shocking surprise, without hurting the credibility of the overall plot. This, too, became a challenge. As I read through each chapter I began to mentally produce where I saw the story going and began penning my ideas for my chapter. However, as I reached the chapters before my own, I was greeted by many twists and turns that killed my take on the plot altogether. I recall mentally cursing, Damn! This isn't going to work in my chapter! It was at that point that I continued taking notes; however, I decided to refrain from the creation process until I finished the final sentence of Chapter Thirteen. As I read the last page, my inspiration was at a standstill. Chapter Fourteen of Edward Ballister began with me closing my eyes. Darkness enveloped me; my thoughts were random. I began typing and, before I knew it, I'd come to understand the direction with which I was heading with Edward Ballister.
My ultimate goal was to live up to the concept of Edward Ballister being the "ultimate horror novel." Therefore, my mind raced with various ideas that, not only I, but many others would find to be horrific. In the end, I was extremely happy with my contribution to Edward Ballister. I don't want to give away the details of my chapter as I am hoping that the novel will be published and readers will get the enjoyment of reading such a cutting edge novel.
Details of the novel's publication are not yet available, as Edward Ballister is still in the process of being created. For a brief overview of The Edward Ballister Project and a list of contributing authors (which reminds me, I still have to submit my author bio), check out the official Edward Ballister MySpace page.
In my opinion, I feel that contributing to Edward Ballister was a challenging and enlightening experience that I am proud to be a part of!
Before I end this entry, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Jeff Ezell, Jessica Lynne Gardner, and Charlotte Emma Gledson for giving me the opportunity to contribute to such an amazing project!
Yes, I write horror. And, yes, my characters are no different than those of writers who create characters defined by masculine traits who tend to fall in love with a feminine counterpart. My characters are simply (predominantly) men who fall in love with and have an attraction toward other men. It doesn't necessarily mean that any heterosexual guys should cringe. After all, if you've read any Christopher Rice or Clive Barker novels, you should be safe. Considering that their characters are just as "gay" as mine, doesn't necessarily mean that male readers of such works are gay themselves. Come on, this is the 21st century, and I tend to think that we are in an age of acceptance. Gay characters in literature are no more awkward than the fictitious five-horned beasts awaiting to rape a young virgin.
Needless to say, my short story (Joseph's Request) has been released upon the world of fiction. I completed the final edits on Saturday and submitted it to Cleis Press' Best Gay Erotica 2009 today. That being said, I tend to think of Joseph's Request as every male's fantasy. The thought of being able to come back from death and still enjoy the everlasting bliss of unending sex exactly fits into that category. And, although there are many sexual scenes in the story, I maintain the moral of 'what is lost can never be forgotten.' Female readers will surely discover that male animal magnetism is synonymous and may be no different from similar emotional attraction felt by a woman.
Therefore, I give up my ghost! Well, my ghost story that is. I throw it to the world of literary acceptance and hope that it finds a home. After all, it is he who shall reside in the crux of the story, my ghost.
As always, I will keep you all updated on the fate of this story via this blog and/or my official website (www.andrewwolter.com).
Click on the video below to view the book trailer for my new novel, Nightfall.
As a writer, it is sometimes difficult to place the destiny of a written work into the hands of a publication. On one hand, there is the excitement that comes with the waiting period of the publication's decision to publish the work. When submitting a story (or novel for that matter) it is customary for the writer to adhere to the publication's guidelines. Those guidelines include the response time it will take for the publication to render its decision of the story. Whether its the author's first time submitting to a publication or their fiftieth story they have submitted to a publication, I have to believe that there is always that brimming anticipation of checking one's email or mailbox for that letter fateful of acceptance. On the other hand, there is also a fear that that accompanies such high hopes. Some call it "fear of failure/rejection" and others deem it "lack of confidence." I recognize it as a subconscious entity that I relate to as my "writer's beast." What it boils down to is that most artists--whether they be writers, sculptors, or vocalists--are their own worst critic; therefore, it is common to experience such self-doubt when submitting their art for examination.
On that note, I finished editing my story, Puppeteer, this afternoon, prepared that all important query letter (that should accompany any story) and have submitted it for possible publication. The waiting game ensues.
In Puppeteer (as with many of my latest writings), I wanted to create a blend of realism and the dark fantastic to the final product. Therefore, to achieve a modern reality that could segue into a world of horror, I began brainstorming the concept of true evil. Of course, the first thing I thought of was how Man himself is his own worst enemy. Not to mention, Man is quite possibly the most evil being inhabiting the Earth. This is due to Man's ability to express emotion. Think of it...Man has the ability to affect others with his emotions of sadness, happiness, jealousy, fear, control...ahem...CONTROL. We have a winner!
Control was the key premise to the creation of Puppeteer (does the title make sense now?). Soon, using the power of a writer's best friend--brainstorming--I began thinking of a realistic scenario of control. The idea of control in a relationship immediately came to mind. I can't even count, on two hands, the number of people I have met in my life who have suffered the spiteful wrath of a domineering boyfriend (or girlfriend) while in a relationship. Just think...how far would one go to control his or her better half? To what extent would he or she profess his love to MAKE the other KNOW that he or she loved him? For better, for worse. How much worse? Where is the imaginary line that draws the boundary of going too far in the name of love? What's more, can the control of a person's love be so great that extends into the afterlife?
With all these thoughts at hand, it became easy to understand who the adversary of my story was and who the victim. It was plain to associate the act of control with that of a monster reminiscent of legend. Hence, Puppeteer was born.
I could go on and on, but I don't want to spoil the story. I need my readers to be able to enjoy the end product! However, it's funny to think of how much thought goes into a plot when the story itself is short. After all, Puppeteer is approximately 1500 words in length. Still, it make a statement and punches the reader into a reality turned maddening.
Of course, I will keep you all updated on possible publication of Puppeteer. Simply tune in to my future blogs. Until then, remember that control begins and ends with you.
The official results of the P&E (Preditors & Editors) 2007 Reader's Poll results are in. As many of you might remember, my holiday short story "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was nominated in the category of Horror Short Story for 2007.
I'm happy to announce that, among SEVENTY-THREE other short stories nominated in the same category, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ranked number THIRTEEN! I know, just barely short of the top ten spot. Perhaps I'll reach it next year!
Thank you to all who supported the story (published in The Open Vein's special Christmas 2007 issue). Without my friends, my readers and my fans, it wouldn't have been possible. Again, I appreciate all of you who support my work and, more importantly, my voice in fiction.
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andrew_wolter- Andrew Wolter
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